Phase one of Aston Martin’s St Athan factory

The first phase of Aston Martin’s (www.astonmartin.com)new St Athan manufacturing site has been completed, and the first DBX is on course to roll off the production line in late 2019.

Work at the site in the Vale of Glamorgan began at the end of 2016, when the automotive company was given access to the former Ministry of Defence site.

Phase one of the redevelopment covers the ‘front of house’ part of the site, containing the customer and staff reception areas, administration and management offices, and the employee restaurant.

The second phase, which began in April 2017, is also well under way; it will see the three super-hangars at the site redeveloped into a manufacturing facility and production line.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and CEO, said: “The St Athan facility is really starting to take shape. The completion of the first phase is another milestone on our journey in Wales and an important part of Aston Martin’s Second Century Plan.”

Once production is fully up to speed in 2021, the 400,000ft2 facility will employ 750 people and produce more than 7,000 vehicles a year. Aston Martin estimates that it will also help to create 2,000 jobs in Wales through the wider supply chain.

Customers who buy a DBX made in the St Athan facility will be able to get a ‘birth certificate’ with their car, along with a £450 107-page book illustrating its build, with pictures taken during each stage of production.

Ken Skates, Welsh economy secretary, said: “It is great to hear that work on phase one of Aston Martin’s facility in St Athan is now complete, and that phase two is progressing well.

“Like many people in Wales, I am excited about the company beginning production next year and the high number of direct and indirect jobs that it will bring with it.”